Definition: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Luke 21:11. It’s a pretty dramatic and unsettling part of the book, and it speaks to a lot about what’s coming in the future. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning us about a time of great hardship and chaos that will follow. It suggests a period of significant problems and suffering. Let's unpack it word by word: "And great earthquakes shall be in divers places..." : This means there will be massive, destructive natural disasters happening all over the world. Think giant quakes, volcanic eruptions, or even devastating landslides – things that reshape the land. "Divers places" emphasizes that these disasters won’t just be concentrated in one area; they'll spread out across the globe. "...and famines, and pestilences;..." : This refers to widespread shortages of food and water, as well as outbreaks of disease. Imagine a massive collapse of agriculture and sanitation. "And fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven." : This is the most impactful part. It speaks about heaven , which traditionally represents God's presence and divine order. The "great signs" – earthquakes, famines, pestilence – are seen as a sign of God’s displeasure or judgment. “From heaven” suggests that these events aren't random; they're connected to something bigger. What does this mean in the context of the Bible? The End Times: This passage is often interpreted as referring to the end times, the time leading up to Christ’s return and the ultimate establishment of God’s kingdom. It speaks to a time when humanity will be tempted to stray from God's path. Judgment and Consequences: It suggests that God will ultimately judge those who are not faithful to him. The earthquakes and famines aren’t just natural events; they represent God’s punishment for sin and disobedience. A Call to Hope (but with caution): The verse isn't necessarily a pessimistic prediction. It also contains a subtle message of hope: God is ultimately in control and will eventually restore everything, even after the worst of times. Important Note: The Bible doesn’t explicitly say when this will happen. It's more about the potential for these things to occur. --- To help me explain it further or answer any specific questions you might have, could you tell me: Are you interested in a deeper understanding of its symbolism? Do you want to know how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible (like the Book of Revelation)?